How Do You Spell VARIOLOVACCINE?

1. Variolovaccine, also known as smallpox vaccine, is a medical substance used for immunization against the deadly disease known as smallpox. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, which spreads easily from person to person and has historically caused significant mortality worldwide. The variolovaccine is made from a live, but weakened, strain of the related virus called vaccinia virus.

   The first known use of smallpox vaccination dates back to the late 18th century, pioneered by Edward Jenner. The variolovaccine works by introducing the attenuated (weakened) vaccinia virus into the body through a small skin scratch or puncture. Upon administration, the immune system recognizes the virus as a foreign invader and mounts an immune response. This leads to the production of antibodies that specifically target the vaccinia virus. Additionally, the body develops memory cells that can recognize and rapidly respond to any future exposure to the variola virus.

   The variolovaccine provides a significant level of protection against smallpox and has been successful in eradicating the disease globally. However, due to the eradication of natural smallpox cases, routine smallpox vaccination is no longer recommended except for specific high-risk groups, such as laboratory workers who handle the virus. Nevertheless, variolovaccine stockpiles are maintained by some government and health organizations as a precautionary measure against potential bioterrorism threats or accidental release of the virus.

   In summary, the variolovaccine is a preventive measure against smallpox, utilizing a weakened form of the vaccinia virus to trigger the immune system's response. Its historic success in eradicating smallpox makes it a significant achievement in medical science.

2. A vaccine obtained from the eruption following inoculation of a heifer with smallpox from the human.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for VARIOLOVACCINE

The etymology of the word "variolovaccine" can be broken down as follows:

1. Variolo-: This prefix is derived from the Latin word "variolus", which means "pock" or "pimple". It is related to the term "variola", which specifically refers to the smallpox virus.

2. -vaccine: This suffix is derived from the Latin word "vaccinus", which means "related to cows" or "from cows". It originates from the phrase "vacca", meaning "cow". The term "vaccine" was initially used to refer to the inoculation of cowpox to provide immunity against smallpox.

Therefore, the word "variolovaccine" is a combination of "variolus" (related to smallpox) and "vaccine" (from cows).